Diving students benefiting from COVID money meet with commissioners in Youngstown, Ohio

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Mahoning County Commissioners had the chance to meet some of the young people helped by the county’s share of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) money.

Kevin Tarpley, director and coach of the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy, introduced several of his students who will begin classes this weekend to become certified divers.

Tarpley credits the $50,000 in funding provided by commissioners last year for giving children and others like them a chance.

“This is what you do for these young people. You’re changing the trajectory of their lives right now, and they want to give back to this county when they turn 18. They want to join the sheriff’s dive team,” Tarpley said.

The students say they will all use the skills they learn at the academy to further their careers or college.